SPORTS BRIEFS: Showplace Cinemas hosting another UE watch party

The University of Evansville will have a CollegeInsider.com Tournament game viewing party at Showplace Cinemas East (1801 Morgan Center Drive) this Saturday for the Aces' semifinal contest at East Carolina. Free admission is first come, first served with 500 fans allowed at the most to fill two theaters. The Aces tip against East Carolina at 4 p.m., but ticket distribution will start at 3 p.m. at Harbor Bay restaurant. Harbor Bay will also offer in-seat food and drink service. Showplace earlier staged a watching party for Tuesday's 84-83 Evansville win over Canisius, when overflow seating into the second theater was needed. All CIT games are also streamed for free online at WatchCollegeInsider.com.

Area players among boys' top 60 seniors

Seven area boys' basketball players were announced Thursday among the Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60 for the class of 2013. They are: Central's Jalen Bender, North's Jaylen Chambers, Mater Dei's Tyler Walsh, Loogootee's Conner Wittmer, Cannelton's Brandon Cook and North Daviess' Nick Crays. Additionally, Castle's Blake Simmons was selected but is unable to participate in the Top 60 Senior Boys' Workout on April 7 in Indianapolis.

Drake hires former Gonzaga assistant

Missouri Valley Conference member Drake has hired Gonzaga assistant Ray Giacoletti (JACK'-oh-let-ee) as its new basketball coach. Giacoletti has worked under coach Mark Few for the past six seasons. Gonzaga won five West Coast Conference titles during that time and reached No. 1 late this season. Giacoletti is perhaps best known for his three-year tenure at Utah. The Utes went 54-40 under Giacoletti. He replaces Mark Phelps, who was fired two weeks ago after five seasons.

Otters lock up two returning players

The Evansville Otters on Thursday announced they've re-signed right-handed pitcher Bryce Morrow and first baseman Nick Schwaner for the 2013 season. Morrow moved into a starting role well, going 8-8 with a 3.97 earned run average. He recorded quality starts in 13 of 19 outings. Schwaner, a former Tampa Bay Rays draft selection, led the Otters with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs in 2012.

UE heads to Wichita State for MVC series

After splitting a midweek doubleheader with Murray State, Evansville's softball team returns to Missouri Valley Conference play Friday with a 2 p.m. doubleheader at Wichita State before the teams finish the series at noon Saturday. The Aces are looking to improve upon a 1-4 start in MVC play.